In virtually all other sports we practice where we play and we play where we practice. In basketball we practice on the court. In baseball and football we practice on the field. It might be a “practice field” but it is just like where we play the game. This isn’t so with golf. With golf, we have the “practice tee” which is far from replicating the actual course. There are no trees, no water hazards, always a good lie, or even a matt to hit from. If you hit a bad one, just rake in another ball and try again. Have you ever heard someone say, “I hit it great on the range but can’t take it to the course.”? We have all heard it and I would venture a guess that we’ve all said it! To overcome this situation, we need to learn to practice on the golf course and play on the range. It’s critical to remember, we don’t keep score while practicing other sports, the same should hold true for golf. Keep score only during the actual game, not during practice.
Practice where you play
First, be aware of others and never hold up play. Try to find a day and time where traffic on the course is minimal and let others play through as needed. How do you practice where you play? Carefully analyze each shot at hand and ask yourself, “What club should I hit from here?” Is it a hard 8 iron or a smooth easy 7 iron? Drop two balls and find out! Hit a hard 8. How’d that work out? Hit that smooth easy 7. Was the result better or worse? Store that information away. Carry a small pad of paper and take notes to review later if need be. Use the same approach for tee shots. Should you really use your driver all the time? Would a three-wood put you in better position to hit the green in regulation? Hit your driver, then your 3 wood and see which works out best. Put yourself on side hill lies, uphill lies, downhill lies, in the rough, in the trees. Learn how to handle the shots you will encounter when you play. This is practicing where we play. Do it without the pressure of keeping score. Save score keeping for next time you play with your regular group and demonstrate your new skills.
Play where you practice
On the practice range play 9 or 18 holes by visualizing the various shots required on your home course and aiming at different targets on the range. For instance, visualize the tee shot on the #1 fairway. With that picture in mind, tee off using something (anything) down range as your target. Where did the ball land? Left? Right? No matter, now visualize your next shot, pick a new target down range, and hit that shot. Repeat this process, including chip/pitch shots until you are “on the green.” Then visualize the #2 hole and repeat. Don’t hit each shot down the center of the range. Constantly vary your target and thereby your target line. Do this for the entire 9 or 18 holes. Treat this just as you would a true round of golf. No second shots, no mulligans, just visualize where the shot would have ended up and play on from there. By using the method, you move from club to club, target to target and “play where you practice.” You might be surprised at how mentally difficult it is to stay in this game for a full 9 or 18 holes. Start with two or three holes and build up over time. This process helps you develop your swing as well as your mental toughness. The results are well worth the effort.
Practice where you play and play where you practice and watch your scores drop!